When asked who they would most like their children to grow up to be like, 15 per cent of mothers chose Sir Richard while 11 opted for Mrs Rowling, according to a new poll.

But the survey, which also questioned 1,000 children, revealed that 20 per cent of six to sixteen year olds believe their mother or father is the ultimate role model.

Two thousand mothers were asked last month about their aspirations for their children as part of the Mums' Wish List, commissioned by Aquafresh to mark the launch of a new campaign to reward mothers.

In the parents' poll Jamie Oliver, the chef, came third with 10 per cent and Barack Obama scored 8 per cent of the vote, followed by Microsoft tycoon Bill Gates and Cheryl Cole, the singer, both on 6 per cent.

Children put Cole in second place on 16 per cent, with footballer David Beckham on 10 per cent, television star Hannah Montana on 7 per cent and footballer Wayne Rooney in fifth place on 6 per cent, along with "my teacher".

When asked which celebrity they most admired, 14 per cent of mothers chose Myleene Klass, the M&S model and television presenter, ahead of Angelina Jolie and Sarah Brown on 8 per cent.

According to the poll, mothers most wanted their children to enter traditional professions, with lawyer or architect topping the survey on 19 per cent, followed by doctor or dentist on 17 per cent.

Other popular choices included being a teacher, lecturer or academic, a scientist or engineer, and a plumber, builder or electrician.

Teaching was the top career choice for children with 11 per cent of the vote, followed by footballer, doctor, scientist and pop star.